「Disaster Risk Reduction」カテゴリーアーカイブ

Day_93: Natural disasters in Thailand – National Disaster Risk Assessement Mapping

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Day_18 mentioned, “More must be done to fight climate change” (Bangkok Post)

https://disasterresearchnotes.site/archives/2304

The national risk assessment mapping in Thailand is briefly explained below.

Table 1  Disaster data in Thailand
em-dat_thailand
The target period of these EM-DAT data is from 1900 to 2014. However, the large numbers of deaths, affected people, and damage costs caused by natural disasters are all after the 1970s, as shown in Table 1. The data clarify that the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2011 Chao Phraya River flood disasters have been very influential in Thailand.

riskmapping_thailand
Figure 1 National Risk Assessment Mapping in Thailand

Figure 1 was created using EM-DAT data from Thailand (1900-2014). This risk assessment mapping (Frequency-Impact by each damage type) is very simple, but it allows us to easily grasp the whole picture of the risks.

The following risk matrix options help evaluate each risk.
riskoption1
Figure 2 Risk matrix options (1)

riskoption2
Figure 3 Risk matrix options (2)

From Figure 1, it is clear that the flood is the disaster that requires the most countermeasures in Thailand. Figures 2 and 3, for example, show that extensive management and monitoring are essential, and immediate action must be taken against the floods.

The above explanations are very rough. Detailed descriptions will be discussed later.

The above was already published with explanations as a report for the Japanese Association for Earthquake and Engineering (JAEE).

Day_64 : 1985 Nevado del Ruiz Volcano Eruption

One of the most significant volcanic disasters we must know about is the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcano eruption. Approx.23000 citizens in Armero city were dead. The cultural aspects were embedded in this disaster. The disaster was predicted. The hazard maps indicate that the city will be affected by a volcanic eruption and lahars. Both priest and mayor told the citizens to stay in the same place because they were afraid of panic before the time, but did not tell them to evacuate. That made tragedy. The people in the city tended to follow both persons because of the culture, which is a religious and vertically structured society. There were also other factors*.

 

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevado_del_Ruiz#Eruption_and_lahars

 

Day_209 : Snow Disasters: When Winter Wonderland Turns into a Nightmare

Winter’s beauty can turn dangerous with heavy snow, blizzards, and ice storms. These snow disasters cause power outages, transportation chaos, and property damage. But what causes them, and how can we prepare?

The Science of Snowstorms

Snow disasters happen when cold temperatures, precipitation, and wind combine. Think of heavy snowfall, icy roads, and massive snowdrifts. Climate change is making things worse with more intense snow and hazardous ice.

The Impact

Snow disasters disrupt transportation, causing accidents and delays. Power lines snap under the weight of snow, leading to blackouts. Buildings can even collapse, and ice dams cause leaks and damage.

Fighting Back: Snow Removal and Prevention

Traditional methods like shoveling and plowing are still essential. But we now have snowblowers, snowmelt systems, and de-icing techniques. Advanced weather prediction helps us prepare, and GPS-guided snowplows clear roads faster.

Be Prepared!

Even with the best technology, snowstorms can still hit hard. Have an emergency kit with food, water, blankets, and a first aid kit. Plan for transportation and communication in case of an emergency.

Stay safe and warm this winter!

# Image Source: Unsplash‍

 

Day_207 : Lessons from Hurricane Katrina: A Retrospective Analysis and Future Implications for Disaster Risk Reduction

 

The picture was taken in Mississippi on December 3, 2005.

Nearly two decades have passed since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans, in 2005. As we reflect on this catastrophic event, it’s crucial to reassess our understanding of the disaster, its impacts, and the lessons learned for future disaster risk reduction efforts. This updated analysis incorporates new research, recent case studies, and current best practices in disaster management to provide a comprehensive view of Hurricane Katrina’s long-lasting effects and implications for disaster preparedness.

Revisiting the Data: The Importance of Pre-Disaster Information

One of the most valuable resources for understanding the pre-Katrina landscape was the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center (GNOCDC) website. This data repository provided detailed demographic and socioeconomic information at the parish and ward levels, offering crucial insights into the social fabric of affected areas.

Key Findings from Pre-Katrina Data

  1. Vehicle Ownership: Data from GNOCDC revealed significant disparities in vehicle ownership across New Orleans neighborhoods. For instance, the Lower 9th Ward, one of the most severely affected areas, had a low rate of vehicle ownership. This factor critically impaired residents’ ability to evacuate independently, necessitating government assistance for evacuation.
  2. Socioeconomic Disparities: Analysis of household incomes, education levels, and employment rates across different wards highlighted pre-existing vulnerabilities that exacerbated the disaster’s impact.
  3. Housing Quality: Information on housing stock age and quality provided insights into structural vulnerabilities that contributed to the extent of physical damage.

The Victimization Process: A Multi-Stage Analysis

Understanding the disaster’s impact requires examining multiple stages of the event and its aftermath. Building on the original five-stage model (Pre-disaster, Direct Damage, Social Disorder, Life Environment, and Reconstruction and Recovery), recent research has emphasized the interconnectedness of these stages and their long-term implications.

Updated Insights on Disaster Stages

  1. Pre-disaster Stage:
    • New research highlights the critical role of community-based preparedness programs in enhancing resilience.
    • Studies show that areas with strong social networks and community engagement had better evacuation rates and post-disaster recovery.
  2. Direct Damage Stage:
    • Advanced modeling techniques have improved our understanding of infrastructure vulnerabilities, particularly in flood-prone areas.
    • Recent case studies from hurricanes like Harvey (2017) and Ida (2021) provide comparative data on immediate impact patterns.
  3. Social Disorder Stage:
    • Long-term studies have revealed the persistent psychological impacts of displacement and community disruption.
    • New frameworks for maintaining social order during disasters emphasize the importance of clear communication and community leadership.
  4. Life Environment Stage:
    • Research on environmental health impacts has expanded, including studies on mold exposure and water contamination.
    • The concept of “build back better” has gained traction, influencing reconstruction efforts to enhance resilience.
  5. Reconstruction and Recovery Stage:
    • Long-term studies show uneven recovery patterns, with some neighborhoods thriving while others continue to struggle.
    • The role of federal, state, and local policies in shaping recovery outcomes has been extensively analyzed, offering lessons for future disaster recovery planning.

Emerging Trends in Disaster Risk Reduction

Since Hurricane Katrina, several key trends have emerged in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction:

  1. Climate Change Adaptation: There’s an increased focus on integrating climate change projections into disaster preparedness and urban planning.
  2. Community-Based Disaster Risk Management: Emphasizing local knowledge and community participation in disaster planning and response.
  3. Technological Advancements: Utilization of GIS, remote sensing, and AI for improved risk assessment and early warning systems.
  4. Social Vulnerability Mapping: More sophisticated tools for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities based on socioeconomic factors.
  5. Nature-Based Solutions: Growing emphasis on using natural ecosystems to mitigate disaster risks, such as wetland restoration for flood control.

Actionable Recommendations

Based on lessons learned from Katrina and subsequent disasters, here are key recommendations for enhancing disaster resilience:

  1. Invest in Inclusive Preparedness: Ensure evacuation plans and resources are accessible to all community members, especially those with limited mobility or resources.
  2. Strengthen Infrastructure Resilience: Implement stricter building codes and invest in critical infrastructure upgrades, particularly in vulnerable areas.
  3. Enhance Early Warning Systems: Develop multi-channel, culturally appropriate warning systems that reach all segments of the population.
  4. Foster Community Cohesion: Support programs that build social capital and community networks, which are crucial for both evacuation and recovery.
  5. Integrate Social Vulnerability in Planning: Use social vulnerability indices to inform resource allocation and targeted support in disaster planning and response.
  6. Promote Sustainable Recovery: Implement recovery strategies that not only rebuild but also address pre-existing social and environmental issues.
  7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Establish mechanisms for ongoing assessment and incorporation of lessons learned from each disaster event.

The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina continues to offer valuable lessons for disaster risk reduction. By combining data-driven analysis with a nuanced understanding of social and environmental factors, we can work towards creating more resilient communities. As we face increasing challenges from climate change and urban growth, the insights gained from studying Katrina’s impact remain crucial for shaping effective disaster management strategies worldwide.

Hurricane Katrina Disaster Research conducted by NIED（in Japanese）

A comparative analysis of large-scale flood disasters

Day_115 : Disaster Technology Websites

I want to introduce you to two disaster technology websites: DRH Asia-Disaster Reduction Hyperbase and Global DRR Technology.

  • The websites below are unavailable today (2024.12.14 confirmed); however, we can still learn the concept and idea as a significant theme.

1) DRH Asia
This site provides qualified information about DRR technology. Its content is easy to grasp, making it possible to transfer DRR technology. The content comes from many Asian countries and has been reviewed by experts. The challenge is the limited number of contents.

The following is an example of the contents.
Earthquake Early Warning and its Application to Mitigate Human and Social Damages (Figure 1)

drh
Figure 1

We can understand the quality and availability of the content.

2) Global DRR Technology
This site focuses on an online Community of Practice(CoP) in Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR). Although the content is limited, the site can be easily accessed. The case study site is incredibly visually appealing.

The site below is an example of a case study site. (Figure 2)

global-drr-tech
Figure 2

 

Day_157: Disaster Warning (1)

I will update a column of the NIED e-mail magazine I wrote long ago because the content does not fade with time. (I will do this step by step in Japanese and English.) I will also add comments to update the situation.

Sorry, I am now revising this post because of the translation difficulties. This post will be revised again. Thank you.

Published May 6, 2010
NIED-DIL e-mail magazine: Disaster Warning (1)

■ Disaster Warning (1) ■

In February 2008, a survey provided an opportunity to visit Hawaii’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC). In a study, I interviewed the director of the PTWC, and the first thing that caught my attention was the role of the media. The director told me that a public tsunami evacuation alert was required three hours before the event, which was too time-sensitive, but the press was an advantage to do this. However, there were various restrictions for the government organization, such as warnings in an international framework. I remembered the Chilean Navy’s disaster response to the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Chile in February this year.

Next, I was interested in science, technology, and data, which are the basis of alarm decisions. I think regular (flood, etc.) warnings will be judged based on current and past data, but especially for tsunami warnings, there were errors in the original earthquake and the tide gauge data. To judge, we should know that 99.99 percent of the errors could be caused by error. The fact that past data is not very useful because the devices to figure out the data are changing daily, making it difficult to rely on it.

From these facts, it was generally noticed that the disaster warning was based on the combination of the progress of science and technology and the competence of the person in charge. The actual warning also relies on the institution belonging to it. For example, variables such as the recipient of the alert, the psychology of the local people, the social situation, and various systems also needed to be added.

Issued May 6, 2010 No. 4

Day_199 : Early Signs of Geological Changes Before Landslides

Before significant landslides occur, various clear natural changes are often observed. Notable incidents include the 1963 Vajont Dam landslide in Italy and the 2006 Leyte Island landslide in the Philippines.

On the evening of October 9, 1963, a massive landslide took place near the Vajont Dam in the Alps of northern Italy. The dam, standing at 262 meters, was completed just three years prior. The landslide dislodged approximately 260 million cubic meters of earth, thrusting up the waters of the dam’s lake. The displaced water surged over the dam, rising more than 100 meters before rushing down into the valley below, resulting in approximately 2,000 fatalities. The geological layers in the area were unstable, compounded by the increased water levels from the dam. A minor landslide had previously occurred in 1960, and the landslide’s progress accelerated to several tens of centimeters per day just before the disaster. Despite ongoing monitoring, the catastrophic damage could not be prevented.

Day_140 : Natural Disasters in Europe (2) Vajont Dam Collapse

 

On February 17, 2006, a mountain 800 meters tall on the Philippine island of Leyte succumbed to a vast landslide, displacing around 20 million cubic meters of soil and claiming 1,144 lives. Before the collapse, cracks had appeared on the mountain’s ridge, and rainfall had begun to seep into the ground.

Identifying these early signs of geological change is crucial. By monitoring their progression and predicting potential danger zones, we can enhance our preparedness and safeguard our lives against such devastating natural disasters.

Contents (in Japanese)
Source: URL:https://dil.bosai.go.jp/workshop/2006workshop/gakusyukai21.html

 

What causes a landslide?

 

Day_138 : Natural Disasters in Europe (1)

Natural disasters in Europe mainly consist of hydrological, meteorological, climatological, earthquake and volcano eruption disasters.

europe-pic
Figure   The Europe

Earthquake disasters mainly occur in the Aegean Sea, the south-western coast of Balkan Peninsula, and the southern part of Italy. Volcanoes are active in the central and southern parts of Italy, the southern Aegean Sea, and Iceland area.

Concerning hydrological, meteorological, and climatological disasters, heavy rain and storm disasters are caused by low  pressure in the Icelandic area developed in the winter season. A cold atmospheric current coming from Arctic gains a warmer vapor stream from the Gulf Stream and develops a strong atmospheric depression in the area. This causes the strong winds and high tidal waves along the coastal areas of the North Sea.

Netherlands and England can be highlighted. The Netherlands had storm surges in 1530 and 1570. The death tolls were approximately 400,000 (1530) and 70,000 (1570) for each. The 1953 depression took an 1800-person death toll. This disaster also reached England. England’s disasters were the 1703 Thames river flood and the 2003 Heatwave. The temperature was 8–10 over the average year in August 2003.

With regard to earthquake disasters, Italy, Greece, and Portugal are the main countries to be affected.

The following past article explains the recent earthquake cases in Italy.

To be continued…

Day_30 (rev): The two main gaps

 

There are two main gaps among experts, local disaster managers, and local people. The first is a perspective gap; experts usually have a different point of view on disaster risk reductions based on their specialty. Disaster managers have a management point of view. The local people tend to have a view based on their daily lives. The other gap is the knowledge gap. Each has a different level of knowledge.

These two gaps keep them from conducting the work for effective disaster risk reduction in a local community.

Once I learned the definition of “expert,” as follows:. This definition definitely gives me some insights.

The expert is the persons who knows more and more about less and less

 

Day_196 : The Matsushiro Earthquake Center

The following is a reprint of a column I once wrote:

The Matsushiro Earthquake Center, nestled in the historic town of Matsushiro within Nagano Prefecture, represents a pivotal chapter in Japan’s approach to seismic research and disaster mitigation. Established in February 1967 under the auspices of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Seismological Observatory, this institution was born out of a critical period marked by intense seismic activity. Between August 3, 1965, and April 17, 1966, the region experienced a staggering 6,780 seismic events, ranging from imperceptible tremors to significant quakes measuring intensity 5 and 4 on the Japanese scale. This unprecedented series of earthquakes not only posed a major societal challenge but also catalyzed the center’s founding.

The initiative to establish the center was strongly influenced by the then-mayor of Matsushiro, Nakamura, who famously prioritized the pursuit of knowledge and research over material wealth. This sentiment laid the groundwork for what would become a crucial site for earthquake prediction and disaster preparedness efforts, situated on the historical grounds of the Imperial Headquarters.

Drawing from my experience at the Natural Disaster Information Office and in collaboration with the Precise Earthquake Observation Office of the Japan Meteorological Agency (now known as the Matsushiro Earthquake Observatory), I have had the unique opportunity to organize and delve into discussions from that era. Despite being born after the seismic events in Matsushiro, I find the archival records fascinating. They not only recount the collective efforts of Matsushiro’s residents to forge a disaster-resilient community in the aftermath of the earthquake but also highlight the comprehensive nature of the research conducted.

The inquiries extended beyond seismic analysis, encompassing a holistic examination of the earthquake’s impact on the community. Noteworthy is the health survey conducted on students from a local school, in collaboration with the Matsushiro Health Center and hospital, to assess the psychological and physical effects of the seismic swarms. Moreover, the scope of investigation included studies on earthquake-induced landslides and the repercussions on water infrastructure, showcasing the multifaceted response from various experts and frontline workers of the time.

This rich tapestry of collective memory and scientific inquiry underscores the enduring spirit of Matsushiro—a community united in its commitment to disaster resilience, informed by the lessons of its past.

Ref.

http://researchmap.jp/read0139271/%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6%E3%83%96%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B0/